Shred the evidence

The experience of identity theft (Con Men Used My Name, News, 20.9.05) by Sir Stuart Bell (right) is all too common, so can I urge local people to take all possible steps to work with us and the police to combat it.

The experience of identity theft (Con Men Used My Name, News, 20.9.05) by Sir Stuart Bell (right) is all too common, so can I urge local people to take all possible steps to work with us and the police to combat it.

Identity thieves will root through bins and back alleys and need only an envelope with your name and address to start off their schemes. If they get financial information like a bank or credit card statement, you are at real risk of losing a lot of cash. There is every likelihood that the money that's stolen from you will go towards financing drugs or serious crime.

Dealing with identity thieves is like dealing with any predator, if you cut off their food supply they will go away.

Please protect yourself by shredding all personal documents.

The few minutes this takes could save you a lot of money, and you can buy a handy shredder for just £5. Please call the

council on 01642 726001 to find out more about this offer.

Our work with the community on tackling identity theft has won us a national Green Apple award. Work with us and banish these dangerous pests from our communities.

BARRY COPPINGER, Executive member for community safety and leisure, Middlesbrough Council